flattered; flattering; flatters
1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.
2
a
archaic
: beguile sense 2
b
: to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.
3
a
: to portray too favorably
The portrait flatters him.
b
: to display to advantage
Candlelight often flatters the face.
: to use flattery
Synonyms
Examples of flatter in a Sentence
Verb
He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance.
It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding.
That dress really flatters your figure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
The interior layout looks open for a tiny house and not too fussy, flattering the small space available.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024
But House Hunters appeals to, flatters, and even occasionally tuts at the same set of concerns and desires as those other shows.
—Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 24 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for flatter 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
If Glenn Horowitz comes calling, should you be flattered or alarmed?
—Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
The interior layout looks open for a tiny house and not too fussy, flattering the small space available.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024
Noun
How sharp of Aegon not to fall for the scheme, the Clubfoot flatters, in turn securing an official role in Aegon’s government as Master of Whisperers.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024
But House Hunters appeals to, flatters, and even occasionally tuts at the same set of concerns and desires as those other shows.
—Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 24 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for flatter
Dictionary Entries Near flatter
Cite this Entry
“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share